Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Estelle Griffin Obituary
(nee Klein)
June 13, 1922 – January 6. 2014
Passed away on January 6, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. Married on January 21, 1949 to City Commissioner and Retail Clerk's Union Representative Herman Griffin, they were among the first inter-racial couples to marry in San Francisco after the anti-miscegenation law was repealed in 1949.
The Griffin's marriage license had the printed designation of the groom's race "white" crossed out with "colored" hand written in its stead.
Estelle was employed as a Financial Analyst at the McCann-Erickson Advertising Agency for over 40 years. She also managed The Clean Scene Laundromat on McAllister Street which featured a lending library and community bulletin board. She loved arts and crafts, spending many happy hours drawing.
She is survived by her children Laurence David Griffin (spouse Alison S. Wilbur) and Erica Diane Griffin. Donations may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center or to the charity of one's choice. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 30, 2020
I still miss her friendship but she is a lovely memory in my life, and always will be. Sending hugs to the family.
Laurence Griffin
January 29, 2020
Dear Mom,
There isn't a day that goes by where you aren't In my thoughts. I would love to be able converse with you about current events, however I guess I am at the same happy that you don't have to see what has happened to the country. Much love Mom, I'll talk with you soon.
Love
Larry
Larry Griffin
January 26, 2019
Miss you so much mama, I sure hope you are in a better place, all my love!!
February 4, 2014
an amazing women, friend, thinker, generous person no anger or fear...I so loved her and her courage, and her resultant family. Loretta
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
February 4, 2014
An amazing woman, friend, co-worker, humanitarian, opera lover, joyous person I delighted in knowing....I will miss her presence but always keep her memory. Loretta
February 4, 2014
Estelle would be so proud of Larry who so dearly loved and honored his mother. My mother was with local 1100 with Walter Johnson in the old days and Herman was a well known widely respected leader. RIP on behalf of The Beeson family and my deep and heartfelt condolences to your family and all whose lives you touched. Lynne Beeson
Catherine Brady
February 4, 2014
An extraordinary woman ahead of the times - family meant the most to her and she was always willing and happy to be in the background keeping everything together. Prayers and sympathy for the Family.
Catherine Dodd
February 4, 2014
Thank you Estelle for having the courage to love and to speak out for what you believe in. Your love lives on in your children and my love goes out to Larry who I so admire, thank you for giving him to the world.
Shelley Bell
February 3, 2014
An incredible woman who lived an incredible life! My blessings and prayers are with you.
Derrald Etheley
February 3, 2014
My thoughts and prayers out to the family. Mother will always be with you- just call her and Mother will there.
May the Lord Bless and keep the family and all that you touch.
Derrald Etheley
February 3, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Mother will always be with you- just call her and Mother will there.
May the Lord Bless and keep the family and all that you touch.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Estelle Griffin's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Estelle's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Estelle Griffin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
